Faculty Spotlight: Rich Pellegrino

November 05, 2025

Assistant Professor of Illustration Rich Pellegrino

At New England College’s Institute of Art and Design, Associate Professor of Illustration and Comic Arts Rich Pellegrino teaches from experience, drawing on both his successes and failures as a working artist. He has been teaching since 2012 and says helping young artists reach their goals is one of the most rewarding parts of his career.

Pellegrino’s professional work includes projects with filmmaker Wes Anderson and the New England Patriots. He encourages students to master their craft, stay reliable, and be open to feedback. Most importantly, he helps them develop their own artistic identity and understand how to turn their passion into a career.

“Students come to art because they love it,” Pellegrino says. “My job is to help them turn that love into a career that feels authentic to them.”

Watch the full interview to learn more about Professor Pellegrino’s creative path and his approach to teaching.